We recently connected with Melica Wiley and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melica , thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

In November 2020, I stood at a crossroads, facing a choice that would fundamentally change the trajectory of my career. The world was in turmoil, gripped by a global pandemic, and I was grappling with my own transformation. It was time to bet on myself, to challenge the limiting mindset that had once held me back. That was the moment I made the bold decision to create my exit strategy from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), a place that had been my professional home, where I had devoted myself to helping. That leap of faith was both liberating and defining, setting me on a new path towards success.

Rewinding to November 2012, my journey began as a pre-licensed marriage and family therapist in Corpus Christi, Texas, where I joined the Valley Coastal Bend Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. My passion for this role was deeply personal; both of my parents were military officers, each serving for over 20 years. Having grown up immersed in the military culture, I felt a profound connection to the veterans I was now poised to serve. As a therapist, I was eager to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation’s veterans and their families, working alongside compassionate professionals like social workers, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and others.

During my years at the VA, my clinical skills blossomed, and my collaborations with various medical professionals deepened my commitment to serving those who had sacrificed for our country. In 2016, I became the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Coordinator, further aligning myself with a cause greater than myself.

But life had other plans. Despite my dedication, certain obstacles hindered my professional growth, from challenges related to equal pay to the inability to advance as swiftly as I desired. I began to question if I could truly live the fulfilling life I had envisioned.

Fast forward to the defining moment in 2020, and Youvolve Healing Center was born—an endeavor I embarked upon with a fellow passionate colleague. This step was not without uncertainties, but it was exactly what I needed to truly evolve.

Today, Youvolve Healing Center is a beacon of hope, healing, and growth. As we continue to touch lives, I remain dedicated to mental health awareness, building connections, and helping others reach their potential. It’s a journey filled with lessons about resilience, courage, and embracing change—a story I hope inspires others to recognize their potential and follow their unique paths. My experience at the VA laid a strong foundation, but it was my decision to take charge of my destiny that allowed me to evolve and shape the future I desired.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Melica Wiley, but you can think of me as your friendly neighborhood catalyst for positive change. I’m more than just a licensed marriage and family therapist; I’m a lover of life, travel, and all things uplifting.

You see, my journey started with a successful career at the Department of Veterans Affairs. But beyond my professional title, I’m someone who adores exploring new places, engaging in a hearty laugh, and basking in the simple joys of living.

What drives me? A relentless passion for helping others grow, heal, and evolve. From planting seeds of self-awareness to crafting guides for extraordinary connections, I’m here to empower individuals to become their best selves. I truly believe in the power of therapy, and I’ve made it my mission to spread this belief far and wide, even to those who might never consider traditional therapy.

And let’s not forget relationships! Addressing relationship trauma and offering strategies for effective communication, connection, and intimacy is at the core of my social media presence. But don’t worry, I make it fun and engaging, because life’s too short to be overly serious, right?

I also thrive in public speaking, especially when it revolves around communication and improving professionals’ lives. As the co-founder of Youvolve Healing Center, I’ve had the chance to create an environment where clinicians and clients alike can flourish. Burnout? Not on my watch! I’m all about personal development, emotional well-being, and teamwork.

So here’s the real me in a nutshell: I bet on myself, stepped into the unknown, and carved my own path to success. I may not be where I envision myself yet, but I’m fueled by my love for people, the thrill of discovery, and a healthy dose of fun.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Oh, where to begin? Unlearning a lesson isn’t just about change; it’s about metamorphosis. For me, the transformation came when I had to let go of a scarcity mindset that had trapped me during my time at the VA. I felt limited, stuck in a never-ending loop of not enough, unable to reach my dreams and aspirations.

But recognizing this wasn’t enough. I needed to break free. So, I embarked on a personal journey that felt like peeling away layers, uncovering the deep-seated scarcity that had weighed on me. The breakthrough was profound, leading me to view the world through the lens of abundance, where possibilities were endless and dreams within reach. This change wasn’t merely a shift in thought; it was a rebirth of hope, confidence, and vision.

This new perspective didn’t just fuel my exit strategy from the VA; it became the cornerstone of my entire journey towards creating Youvolve Healing Center. Trusting in myself and my higher power, I found that everything fell into place.

The transformation from scarcity to abundance reshaped not only my professional life but every facet of my existence. It altered how I approached challenges, relationships, and goals, turning the world into a playground of potential, a landscape of limitless possibilities.

And as I continue to grow and evolve, this change stands as a testament to the power of unlearning. It’s about shedding old skins and stepping into a new, empowered self. If there’s one thing to take away from my story, it’s that anything is possible.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

The story of my partnership with Dr. Kate Rodriguez is a beautiful rarity, a testament to what women can achieve together when there’s a shared purpose. Our meeting was almost serendipitous, sparked by a mutual friend who sensed our aligned visions. It wasn’t filled with fireworks, but a thoughtful conversation that revealed a shared passion for healing, community, family, and life.

Our casual interaction soon blossomed into late-night discussions and brainstorming sessions. It was clear we were not just acquaintances but potential partners, ready to outline the concept of Youvolve Healing Center, a place where our shared vision could thrive.

Becoming business partners was a thoughtful choice, rooted in understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and expectations. We set clear roles, ensuring trust, respect, and mutual understanding would guide us.

Our story isn’t just about a business partnership; it’s about friendship, trust, and a shared journey. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to each other, a story we’re proud of, and one that continues to unfold. Together, we work, dream, and grow towards something bigger than ourselves, creating a legacy that goes beyond just business. We are truly #Youvolving.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melicawiley.com or www.youvolvehealingcenter.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/melicawiley
• Facebook: facebook.com/youvolve
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/melicawiley